February 2009 - Posts
An announcement I've found on one of my lists proclaims the following:
"Aethra announced complete interoperability with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 with the company’s software release 12.1.7. With the new software, Aethra’s X-line systems automatically authenticate and register themselves to OCS simply by inserting an IP address in a configuration page. After registration, the Vega X3, Vega X5 and Vega X7 appear together with their presence indicator, in a user’s buddy list. It’s click to call time!"
We havent tested this with the KLZ yet but this is maybe the first step towards integrating H.323 video conferencing with the KLZ Office Communications Server features.
If you have an X3 with a support contract, look at getting this software upgrade applied by your maintainer.
Polycom, the telepresence specialist, is looking to cash in on the worldwide economic downturn by releasing a relatively low-cost video conferencing system.
The Polycom QDX 6000 system will cost £2,499, but will still offer DVD-quality video, even over low bandwidth links of only 256Kbps. Rivals such as Lifesize offer full high definition video conferencing solutions, but this requires faster connections and costs in excess of £10,000.
“You won’t find another video conferencing system in the market today near this price point that delivers the level of voice, video and content quality or the features and performance delivered by the Polycom QDX 6000,” said Joe Sigrist, senior vice president and general manager of video solutions at Polycom.
Video conferencing is becoming very appealing to companies looking to cut costs by reducing international travel. Sigrist claimed that business will recoup the cost buying two QDX 6000 units with just two or three uses that would otherwise have required the time and expense of air travel.
Polycom said that QDX 6000 will integrate seamlessly with many systems already in place in organisations, as it’s based on established video conferencing standards. It can produce 480p video at 30fps and has AES encryption for call security.
It supports 16:9 widescreen by default but will also work on 4:3 monitors and offers a pan/tilt/zoom camera with 12x zoom capabilities. Dual monitors are supported, and it can take input from five video sources, which helps with collaboration.
A key feature is the use of Lost Packet Recovery technology, which is designed to deliver solid, smooth call quality even on networks that are prone to congestion. It works by reserving a small part of the bandwidth available for Forward Error Correction (FEC). Polycom said the QDX 6000 is the only product in its class that supports such a feature.
The system will be available worldwide later this month.
It is with great pleasure that the Kentucky School for the Deaf (United States) invites you to participate in 2009 MegaDEAFConference. Information about the conference and a video Public Service Announcement (see link below) are available for you to view (below).If you should wish to participate (and we hope that you will!!), please register (no charge) at *********************** Announcing the 2009 MegaDEAFConferenceMarch 25, 2009, noon – 2 p.m. (EST)Please view this Public Service Announcement at (you will need Quicktime) http://www.ksd.kyschools.us/megadeafconference/mdc_psa.mov This Video will introduce you to Clyde Mohan and to the MegaDEAFConference. We hope you will join with us in the inaugural event.************************ What is the 2009 MegaDEAFConference? A 2-hour videoconference that brings together all deaf schools at the same time to view student designed and conducted presentations and activities focused on both academic and cultural issues. This is a project designed to give DEAF students in elementary and secondary schools around the world the opportunity to communicate, collaborate, and contribute (in ASL) to each other’s learning in real time, using multi-point videoconferencing technology. What are the Goals of the 2009 MegaDEAFConference?
- Provide collaboration opportunities between deaf schools
- Expand the community with whom our students communicate (sign)
- Increase both English and American Sign Language skills
- Help our students see beyond their immediate world
What is the Format of the 2009 MegaDEAFConference?The 2-hour event will be broken up into 15-minute presentations from 6 different deaf schools who have been asked to prepare an interactive presentation or to showcase an interesting collaboration or project. Kentucky School for the Deaf students will video jockey (VJ) the conference. A schedule of the presentations will be sent out and posted before the 2009 MegaDEAF Conference. When Is the 2009 MegaDEAFConference Going to Be? The event is going to be on March 25, 2009, and it will run from noon until 2 p.m. EST. We strongly encourage schools to open participation to parents, administrators, and the community and to stay connected for as long as possible so that they can actively participate with sites from around the world in different time-zones. How Can You Participate?Those who participate as observers (not one of the six presenters) will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the MegaDEAFConference by either of the following two methods – during the conference you may send e-mails to deafschoolsunite@ksd.kyschools.us (you must use this method if you are using a videophone) or to actively ask questions through H.323 videoconferencing equipment.What Technology Do I Need to Participate? This is the beauty of the 2009 MegaDEAFConference. You may use a videophone or videoconferencing equipment; however, you must register and test your equipment before February 28, 2009, with Kentucky’s Department of Education in order to participate in the conference. In order to register, please go to http://www.eventbrite.com/event/244275635 before February 28, 2009. (Please NOTE: While you may use videophones to observe this conference, you may not enjoy the conference at the optimum quality and clarity required for signing.)Need to Know More?
Contact Kentucky School for the Deaf's Videoconferencing Project Manager, Clyde Mohan, at deafschoolsunite@ksd.kyschools.us or via his Sorenson videophone at 1.866.450.2689. A deaf-relay interpreter will interpret for you so that you and Clyde may have an actual phone conversation.
Dear Colleagues, The international Megaconference Junior event has extended the deadline for registration to this Friday 6th Feb. The event is on 19 February and is one of the biggest VC events for schools in the world. Please read below for more details on the event and how to join. If you need any assistance with registering please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thanks, Tim.
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Reminder - General and Interactives Registration Closes for Megaconference Jr. 2009 on Friday 2/6 (deadline extended)
http://www.megaconferencejr.org/
Don't miss this exciting opportunity on February 19, 2009 from 7am EST to 7pm EST (UTC -5) to interact with schools from around the world. The schedule of presentations is now posted. Join hundreds of sites from countries all around the world including Australia, Canada, Portugal, Croatia, Great Britain, Spain, Slovenia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Viet Nam, the US and more in the upcoming Megaconference Jr. 2009!
You'll also have a chance to win exciting prizes from our vendor sponsors - Polycom, Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration, MOTE Marine Laboratory, Center for Puppetry Arts, and the Cranbrook Institute of Science. New sponsors and prizes continue to become available as well and will be posted on the website as we have them.
And don't forget that this year, we are pleased to bring Danica McKellar, best-selling author, actress and internationally known mathematician live to the Megaconference Jr. event. Danica will talk to the global viewing audience at 1:30pm EST (UTC -5). Register now so your students do not miss this unique opportunity to see her live.
Join us sun up or sun down all around the world for the 6th Annual Megaconference Jr. global event.General and Interactives Registration available at: http://www.megaconferencejr.org/ Please go to: http://www.megaconferencejr.org and review the posted schedule and presentations prior to completing your registration. Again this year you have the ability to interact live with one of the scheduled presentations. Once you have read the schedule and know which session you would like to interact with, go to the "register" link and complete the form. You will be asked to make your selection towards the end of the registration form. When you have completed all fields click the "Submit" button. You should then receive an email confirmation. The interactive registrations with presenters are on a first come first serve basis. Once we have three for each presentation, interactive registration will be closed.
NOTE: If you already registered and would like to sign up to be an ineractive for another presentation (or if you are presenting and would like to update your title or abstract) you can do so by using the email and password you used to register originally to log back in and select your interactive session (or update your presentation information). Don't forget to click "submit" when done. If you have experience any difficulty in signing up for an interactive seat, please let us know.
Deadline for Interactive Registrations: Feb. 6, 2009
Deadline for General Registrations: Feb. 6, 2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Join us sun up or sun down all around the world for the 6 Year Anniversary of Megaconference Jr. http://www.megaconferencejr.org/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --Jennifer OxenfordMAGPIjmacdoug@magpi.net
www.magpi.net
Dear Colleagues, Please read the email below for some examples of educational videoconferences from a cross-States network called MAGPI in America. All of the sessions below are free of charge to non-MAGPI members and available to schools in the UK. You can read the descriptions below or visit the MAGPI site here: http://www.magpi.net/programs/ . If you would like any advice on the practical side of videoconferencing with locations in the United States, please visit the JANET Videoconferencing Service at www.ja.net/jvcs . International endpoints can be added as a guest in your JVCS Bookings so that you can still benefit from technical help and advice from JVCS during the call. Thanks, Tim ________________________Tim BoundyNEN Services Group, Content Coordinator, JANET(UK)01235 822370 From: Heather Weisse [mailto:hweisse@magpi.net]
Sent: 27 January 2009 21:02
To: Tim Boundy
Subject: MAGPI Spring Programs Open to National/International Participation We just wanted to let you know that registration is now OPEN for MAGPI’s Spring Videoconference Programs! The following programs are open to non-MAGPI members this spring. Remember, all programs have a limited number of interactive spots and fill quickly - - so be sure to register for your favorite program(s) ASAP! Programs are listed in chronological order, but some have quickly approaching registration deadlines. We’ve listed programs by those available to K12 organizations and those available to higher ed organizations. Advanced registration is required for all programs. To register for a particular program, follow the program link under the title and click on the ‘register now’ button. Upon successful registration, you will receive a registration confirmation containing information about your program as well as the required videoconference verification test. All programs are FREE of charge and require that your school or organization be connected to your national research and education network (Internet2 in the US) and have H.323 videoconferencing capabilities. Best,Heather _ _ _ _ _ K12 Programs21st Century Abe Lincoln
Grades 9-12; Higher Ed
February 4, 2009
http://www.magpi.net/programs/21stcenturyabe.html
Open to Non-MAGPI and MAGPI MembersWhat do Mexican mentalists and YouTube have to do with Abraham Lincoln? This interactive panel discussion delves into the creative processes behind 21st-Century Abe, an innovative and multifaceted web-based project from the Rosenbach Museum & Library exploring the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln through historic documents, commissioned artistic interpretations, and visitor-generated content. This program offers a unique preview of the project before the full site officially launches on Feb. 12, 2009. The panel will include an interactive discussion about the relationship of art & history, modes of alternative storytelling, and the opportunities and challenges of web 2.0. Does Climate Change Equal Global Catastrophe?
Grades 9-12
February 18, 2009 * 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
http://www.magpi.net/programs/sciencecinema.html
Open to Non-MAGPI and MAGPI MembersPart of the Science in the Cinema project! Join Dr. David Robinson, Chairman of the Department of Geography at Rutgers University and New Jersey 's State Climatologist for a discussion on the facts and fiction of Climate Change. Scenarios presented in the movie, A Day After Tomorrow, will serve as a starting point for the discussion. Students should be familiar with the movie, (at minimum, the portions listed below) and should prepare questions ahead of time for Dr. Robinson.Youth and Violence: An Global Exploration
Grades 9-12
February 26 – May 15, 2009 * 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. ET
http://www.magpi.net/programs/youthviolence.html
Open to Non-MAGPI and MAGPI MembersYouth violence is a social problem that affects many different countries and cultures around the world. Although the root causes of youth violence (such as poverty, war, drug use and prejudicial beliefs) vary from country to country, the resulting symptoms of youth violence are universal. Feelings of alienation, connectedness and hopelessness are experienced to some extent by all youth offenders regardless of race, religion, nationality, sexual orientation or gender. Bringing students together from different countries, this workshop will take a cross-cultural look at how youth violence varies in different regions of the world and how young people can break the patterns of violent behavior and prevent it from following them into adulthood. Over a period of four months, students will work together to explore this issue and then create digital media projects that tell their own community’s story. A digital media project festival will conclude this project.100th Day of School Celebration
Grades K-2
March 12, 2009 * 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET
http://www.magpi.net/programs/100days.html
Open to Non-MAGPI and MAGPI MembersCelebrate the 100th Day of School in this national celebration! The 100th day of school is more than just a milestone worth noting - it's the perfect time to have fun with the number 100. Jake learned all about the 100th day of school in Jakes 100th Day of School , written by Dr. Lester Laminack. Read the book, create your own class 100th Day of School project and share your experiences with the author during this exciting videoconference event! Alex's Virtual Lemonade Stand Project
Grades K-12
March 23 through April 3, 2009
http://www.magpi.net/programs/alexslemonade.html
Open to Non-MAGPI and MAGPI Members
Kids helping Kids Make a Difference! Join other schools across the country as they host lemonade stands to raise money for pediatric cancer research and participate in other related projects. Schools will collaborate with each other through a blog, a special "kick off" videoconference spirit rally and closing project collage videoconference event. During this two week project, each school will hold their own lemonade stands to help raise funds for pediatric cancer. Schools can hold one big lemonade stand day or a series of lemonade stand events throughout the two weeks. After each day of sales, schools will report their totals through the website. Last year we raised more than $23,000. Think we can double it?
_ _ _ _ _ _ Higher Education ProgramsOne Survivor Remembers
Higher Ed, Public & Cultural Organizations
March 2, 2009 * 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET
http://www.magpi.net/programs/onesurvivor.html
Open to MAGPI and Non-MAGPI Members with Internet2 connectivity and H.323 Videoconferencing CapabilitiesGerda Weissmann Klein, renowned motivational speaker, humanitarian, writer and Holocaust survivor, teaches each one of us about tolerance, understanding and making a difference. Gerda Klein’s spirit helped her survive six years under Nazi rule; through her story, and her unique perspective, she continues to help each one of us to understand the dangers of hate and extremism. In light of increasing intolerance, anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism on college campuses, both nationally and internationally, it is imperative that our students hear the message of Gerda Weissmann Klein.Join us for an evening of conversation and inspiration.A select number of sites will be able to join this event as interactive videoconference sites. Interactive sites will be able to ask Mrs. Klein questions during the event via videoconference. This event is brought to you by MAGPI and The Gerda and Kurt Klein Foundation, with support from the Penn Video Network and the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences.. For those of you who cannot join us as an interactive videoconference site, the videoconference will be available in its entirety as streaming video from the Klein Foundation Website approximately 2 weeks following the event. Workplace Safety and Violence Videoconference - - Part of the Montgomery County Community College Virtual Scholars Series!
College and Graduate StudentsFebruary 3, 2009 * 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET
To register for this program, please contact Michael Knight at mknight@mc3.edu or 215-641-6442
Brought to you by Montgomery County Community College
Open to MAGPI and Non-MAGPI Members with Internet2 connectivity and H.323 Videoconferencing Capabilities
TYPICALLY THOUGHT OF AS "safe" places, work places and health care agencies are now facing a significant increase in multidirectional acts of aggression from personnel, clients, and visitors (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH], 2003). Media coverage of workplace violence has heightened the underlying sense of insecurity about when, where, and how the next traumatic event will occur. Workers are now confronted with the idea that "it could happen here" and "it could happen to me." Join Dr. Paul T. Clements, a psychiatric / forensic specialist from Virginia Beach, VA, USA, for a discussion of Workplace Safety and Violence. He is a Certified Gang Specialist, and was formerly Assistant Director/Bereavement Therapist at The Homicide Bereavement Center at the Office of the Medical Examiner in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is an experienced therapist, trainer, consultant, and critical incident/trauma response specialist with almost 15 years experience in management and crisis intervention. Dr. Clements has provided nationwide corporate and hospital consultation to establish workplace procedures for violence prevention and development of risk assessment / management teams. He was involved in news media and National Public Radio (NPR) related discussions regarding the offender, victims and survivors of the Virginia Tech shootings. Lastly, Dr. Clements is a Distinguished Fellow in the International Association of Forensic Nurses (DF-IAFN), and Associate Editor of the Journal of Forensic Nursing. Heather Weisse WalshMAGPI Applications Coordinator3401 Walnut Street, Suite 233APhiladelphia, PA 19104
e: hweisse@magpi.net